Even the Al Ahli official handing out game passes to reporters sensed the occasion.
“You better get up there fast,” he advised, referencing the seats in the top stand at the Rashid Stadium, those designated to members of the media who do not care too much for their eyesight.
“There won’t be any spaces left,” he continued, soon realising how out of the ordinary that last sentence sounded. It was a full hour before kick off, and the press corps that routinely covers the Arabian Gulf League is a habitually tardy beast, but it was clear these were exceptional circumstances.
A derby against Al Wasl, the country's second most decorated club, always provides particular allure, yet this encounter had added appeal. Secure a point, and Ahli would be crowned league champions for the first time in five seasons.
So their supporters arrived early, too, filling each stand alongside the touchline. Banners were unfurled opposite the dugouts, reminding Cosmin Olaroiu and his staff that “we are ready and we will always lead”.
Ahli have done just that. Having assumed their position at the summit during the initial weeks of the campaign, way back during those clammy September days, they have steadfastly refused to relinquish, even when docked points in January for fielding an ineligible player.
“We are the champions,” proclaimed another placard. “Bulldozer 23.”
It is a nod to Ahli’s captain and spearhead, Grafite, the Brazilian wrecking ball, whose No 23 jersey appears to be doing a roaring trade in the club shop. The forward has given his Dubai paymasters almost three years of outstanding service, something obviously recognised by the Ahli support.
Rested with next Tuesday’s crunch Asian Champions League tie against Al Hilal in mind, Grafite spent the warm-up on a patch of turf away from the starting XI and among the substitutes. It mattered little, for wherever he went the crowd responded by climbing to their feet, serenading their star striker with chants of “Grafite! Grafite! Grafite!”
Their appreciation was reciprocated, Grafite joining hands to return a heart-shaped thank you. He must be blissfully unaware Gareth Bale trademarked the signature last summer.
Ahli’s players were enjoying some “galactico” treatment anyway, for when they emerged from the tunnel they were greeted by a standing ovation. Scarves were twirled in unison above heads, the man with the megaphone and hulk-like vocal cords leading the rallying call.
How unfortunate, then, that Wasl jolted the jamboree five minutes in, when Ricardo Oliveira had the temerity to curl a free kick high into the Ahli goal.
The ground fell into a hush for the first and only time, except for a band of brave souls in Wasl shirts, keen to spoil the party. That arduous journey, from Al Jadaf to Al Nahda, might not have been in vain, after all.
However, shock soon gave way to a stubborn defiance. The home support was quickly back on their feet and again in fine voice, desperately willing the team to retaliate. Olaroiu reacted by introducing Grafite, much to the delight of the Ahli faithful. Yet the clamour was merely a sign of what was to come, when the clash was spun on its head inside three dizzying second-half minutes.
First Ahmed Khalil roused the rabble by drawing Ahli level, and they had barely time to settle before Grafite poked home what would be the winner. From there, the Rashid Stadium reverberated to the drums and the acclaim; Ahli bounding towards a sixth UAE championship.
The final whistle sounded, but instantly it was difficult to see through a blur of red and black. When the celebration does cease, whenever that may be, Ahli can finally catch breath, safe in the knowledge they are at last undisputedly the country’s finest.
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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